mel2009

I am a new grad and was hired on days with rotation on a med surg floor. very lucky I know. I am not writing to brag but to let people out there that there are some options for us new grads. I was completely prepared to be offered nights which was my second choice, with eves being a last resort due to the family schedule. I am def concerned about the rotations PRN and wonder if anyone else out there works this type of shift & how you handle for example : days one day, nights the next. I am afraid I will be a walking zombie with the switching.

thank you SO much for posting this link. I have just started as a new grad but have had trouble finding a place just for us. Good luck to all those taking the NCLEX or still in school.. You can do it!! Now to check out this forum..

I am set to graduate this May (yippy) and I can say that NS has been difficult on our marriage. We actually had our rehersal dinner the same day as NS orientation. SO I litereally have been married the entire course of NS. It took alot of comprimise on both parts. He has helped alot with chores and making sure I eat on careplan nights (I swear I would forget to if he didnt put a plate in front of me) I also have given up on a spotlessly clean house. The laundry is done but it may be in folded piles... I remember our first day one of our professors said that you have to make choices of how to spend your time... the dust bunnies will still be there when you are done they may just be a bit bigger. It is an exageration but I chose to spend most of my "freetime" enjoying my husband and fostering our relationship and as little time possbile cleaning. Take out is always a good solution. Good luck to everyone, NS is a huge adjustment but it is well worth it.

May 18th is my pinning!! It has been a long journey and I am so proud of everyone. thanks for all the support. It has been encouraging to know that no matter what crazy nursing student issue / dilemma I can always count on the folks here to be there for me. Tanks :thankya:

Congrats to everyone. I am officially in my final semster too! I just want to dance around after passing that Med Surg final exam!

I have to say I am super excited to wear my cap & have fun visions of wearing the white nursing dress at my pinning this May. It is a symbol to me that represents my rite of passage of transitioning from a NS to a RN. I love that we will have a lantern ceremony where we say the pledge. I was lucky enough to witness last May's ceremony and I must say it brought a tear to my eye b/c of how moving it was. So, I say to caps & the pinning ceremony.

Oh I am so sorry. I just wanted to say you are in my thoughts..

ClarasicRn: that is a great outlook on things.. i think that will be the way I look at it when we are pregnant. thanks for everyone's input.

First I want to say congrats!!! that is so exciting! My hubby and I are having the same debate over whether or not it is a good idea to get pregnant and have the baby a little after graduation this May or if we should wait until after I start a job. I have been at my current job for 3 years and would be eligible for 12 weeks maternity leave where as if I waited until I started a new job I would only get 8 weeks until I worked for a full year at full time. I also would love to hear from those who have gone through school and been pregnant. Am i delusional that it will work out assuming I have a good pregnancy? mel

I currently working as a float nurse tech and have gone to the ICU for the first time in the past 2 weeks. I LOVE IT!! I had the same feelings and concerns that you have (and still do to a point) but the staff is wonderful. They truly enjoyed explaining what all of the machines do, what they look for in assessing their patients ect. My suggestion is be honest with them. Tell them when you are doing somethign for the first time and ask for their guidance but also be eager to try new things. After a few shifts I am realizing how each nurse likes things done. For example there is one nurse who always seems to get the most critically ill patients. I found out that she likes her VS done 10 mins before the hour so a 1700 VS would be taken at 1650. Once I started to be one step ahead she has started to teach and explain things to me. I guess you have to prove that you really want to learn from them and are willing to work hard. Each shift I learn something new and have already seen things that I know will help me in starting Med Surg this fall. Good luck and rememebr with each shift there you will feel less like a fish out of water

Thanks so much! I will be taking a 5 week micro class this summer and I am sure this will be a big help!

Ok so this has been my mantra to get me through NS. SO far it was worked for the first year. I still have days that I doubt I am tough enough for this but then I come on to these boards and you guys help make me feel that I am not in this alone!! Thanks everyone. ~mel "If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can't accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through."

thank you so much for posting this. I am a new Nurse Tech and have only had one semester of clinicals which = not alot of experience with the tasks. this will be great to help me brush up or learn things I haven't done yet. Can't say thank you enough!!

Oops I posted this twice! Sorry

Hello, I am a student nurse in my second semester who was just diagnosed with ADHD a little over a year ago. I wanted to let you know that it is possible to get through school with ADHD. That being said it is one of the most rewarding thing I have ever done but there are days where it is brutal. I just keep in mind that this is one of my bad days and tomorrow is a new one. I find it very helpful to have one master calendar that has everything from school obligations, to my work schedule, and any person things as well. I work full time and also per idem as a Nurse TEch so dont get discouraged, it is possible. For homework I keep a check list of each assigment or chapter and break it up over the week and cross them out when they are completed. Now being that I have ADHD I don't always stick to it 100% but i leave myself a little flexibility in the schedule. If there is a time where I am not productive at all I switch the way I am studying from taking notes to some questions from the CD of the book or watching some demo videos. In lectures I focus on taking notes even if the professor gives out a power point. Hope some of this helps!

Hey again '09 ers! (& a hello welcome new any members ) about fitting in working or whatever else you may have on your plate: I LIVE by a master calendar. I put all my work tasks, HW assignments, where I have to be when ect.. and it feels great when I check things off. Now I just have to try and "fit in" the gym. :icon_roll Another thing someone taught me was to be confident in your master calendar so that you can only focus on the task at hand instead of the 4 billion other things on your plate. Oh and I have learned to let dusting, vaccuuming and laundry go a bit longer than usual or until I need my uniform. Here is to all of us making it to graduation & the pinning ceremony :cheers: Mel

hi class of 2009!! i thought i'd chime in on this one & say hi. name: mel school: bcc, fall river, ma program: associates in science in nursing what area of interest at this time: so far i am interested in everything & keeping my mind open as i am only going into my 2nd semester biggest fear: failing, not passing the boards, & still having to pay back the loans what you'd like us to know about you: i'm 27 years old & was recently married to a very supportive man. we have 3 kitties that keep me busy when i am not studying or working full time. (yes it can be done you just have to be organized with your time & learn to say no to things) i will be starting a per diem nursing tech position in 1.5 weeks. i am glad to finally have found my calling & a career that sums up all the things i loved about my previous careers & jobs. & i can't wait for the day to come when i am not at the edge of my seat wondering if i pass an exam or clinical task!

you know you are in nursing school when ... you chose to buy the pocket guides and NCLEX guides versus a cute new outfit or new shoes with your birthday money. I can't wait to see what my Christmas list looks like...